updated 04:05 pm EST, Wed November 17, 2010

PSP2 first-run prototype appears

A purported leak today has shown what's described as an early prototype of the PSP2. The design, which is believed to have since changed, superficially resembles the PSP Go but with many extra features. Among the details spotted by the VG247 source are front and back cameras, dual analog sticks and a rumored backside trackpad.

The design has since allegedly reverted back to a design more like the original PSP's, although it will very likely drop the UMD drive in favor of flash storage. A slider design supposedly ran too hot for the upgraded hardware.

Performance claims have varied wildly for the device but could be as fast as an Xbox 360 if more extreme rumors are correct. Many expect a much faster and possibly multi-core ARM processor with much newer graphics. It may have an HD screen, but it's likely that any update will be an improvement over the current PSP's 480x272.

While Sony has never publicly acknowledged that a PSP2 has been nearing, stories from EA and Mortal Kombat revival developer Netherrealm have both admitted access. The latter has said it was noticeably faster.

A launch may only come in late 2011 and could have an introduction come at E3 in mid-year. The design has increasingly proven critical to Sony as the Nintendo DS, and particularly Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, have reduced its sales to just several thousand units each month. Sony has publicly treated Apple as its largest threat and has run anti-iPhone ads and encouraged steep price cuts to seem more appealing as a gaming-focused device.

Before the PSP2, a PlayStation phone is expected to come first and could be a Google flagship for Android 2.3 or 3.0.